Dance Company
May 2 at 7 pm the Dance Company is performing. One of their dances will include 6 students from the ECC program and 2 peer tutors. It is always nice to show Jordan High School doesn't need to have television coverage or external validation of what they do RIGHT. Students are Jordan High School are just that a varied student body who love being Beetdiggers.
Summer Option:
As I begin to receive program options, I will continue to send home the flyers, brochures, and links. The one I received and sent home this week was Utah Independent Learning Center.
This week the students are running for offices. There are signs and SWAG being given out as the students pass in the halls. There is an Assembly Thursday to hear the candidates and one on Friday in the afternoon to announce the winners.
This week we are talking about weather patterns and trends. The concept being emphasized is PREDICTION:
Using information and old knowledge (things you saved inside your head) you can make an "educated guess". We have predicted the weather trend is to get warmer and it will be light outside when we come to school, leave, have dinner and go to bed. This is based on knowing spring is warm but summer is the warmest season and the sun comes up earlier and stays up later. To PROVE our prediction (scientific method) we are using a thermometer, and the KSL weather app to look at the high/low temperature chart over 10 days, making our own based on our thermometer readings (AM/PM) and the sunrise/sunset table.
This week we are talking about weather patterns and trends. The concept being emphasized is PREDICTION:
Using information and old knowledge (things you saved inside your head) you can make an "educated guess". We have predicted the weather trend is to get warmer and it will be light outside when we come to school, leave, have dinner and go to bed. This is based on knowing spring is warm but summer is the warmest season and the sun comes up earlier and stays up later. To PROVE our prediction (scientific method) we are using a thermometer, and the KSL weather app to look at the high/low temperature chart over 10 days, making our own based on our thermometer readings (AM/PM) and the sunrise/sunset table.
Spring Break See You April 13th
Annual Agency Fair
I am sending home a flyer about the Agency Fair
April 23 @ Alta High School
End of Term March 23 - 26
It is the end of the third quarter NO SCHOOL FRIDAY
In Language Arts we are combining with our science unit to read SeedFolks by Paul Fleishman. We are summarizing each chapter.
In Language Arts we are combining with our science unit to read SeedFolks by Paul Fleishman. We are summarizing each chapter.
Spirit Week March 16 - 20
February 23 to 26
Parent teachers conferences are Wednesday and Thursday from 4 to 7:30 PM. The mainstream teachers will be located in the gym while the special education teachers will be in their rooms.
February 9 to 13
Welcome to the second week in February. This week the Literature Reading group is reading Robin Hood. We are working on personal information and using it to complete forms but also to generalize it to new contexts. This month is the start of the Chinese New Year. February 19 we are bringing in the Year of the Goat. Students look at their birth year and find what animal represents that year. Then we discuss the "traits" of the animals. We use the charts and also do math related to older and younger. I will be expanding with the kind help of our Chinese language teacher as she is giving me materials for lanterns and games. We will be playing domino based math games because the Chinese invented Dominoes!
In Yoga we are starting to do a bit more with balance and I am really pleased with how well these guys are picking up the new positions. One is to get on your knees and make a table with your back with your arms straight. Then we are alternating lifting the right/left leg straight back as we raise the arm on the opposite side. Already I am seeing improvement after 3 sessions. The key for the students is focus and balance.
In mathematics we are reviewing money and time as well as tables, charts and graphs. In addition the students are learning to answer using a multiple choice format. This is to get ready for tests and forms that will be required as they mature.
In Yoga we are starting to do a bit more with balance and I am really pleased with how well these guys are picking up the new positions. One is to get on your knees and make a table with your back with your arms straight. Then we are alternating lifting the right/left leg straight back as we raise the arm on the opposite side. Already I am seeing improvement after 3 sessions. The key for the students is focus and balance.
In mathematics we are reviewing money and time as well as tables, charts and graphs. In addition the students are learning to answer using a multiple choice format. This is to get ready for tests and forms that will be required as they mature.
February 2 to 5 Short Week!!
The second semester has started and this week we have finally settled into the routine. Remember there is no school on Friday for students.
We are continuing to work on our reading, writing, mathematics and science goals. I am increasing the use of iPads before we begin our state End of the Year testing. A lot of people are asking what is this testing when we cover it under the assessment portion of the IEP. If you go to the Utah State Office of Education website and look under special education and assessments, you will find the information.
For our students grades 9 to 11 will be testing using the DLM or Dynamic Learning Maps assessment for English Language Arts and Mathematics. Using your student's profile for skills, the assessment will start at items that your student can do. Based on the responses, the assessment moves to more or less complex tasks. The responses are either recorded by the student or by me. The computer site that we access is a secure site called the Kansas Interactive Testing Machine (KITE). I will be administering over many days starting in March. This is the test used as the alternative to the SAGE testing that begins tomorrow at Jordan High School.
January 12 to 16
The last week of the semester has arrived. Peer tutors should be finalizing their "I am a Peer Tutor" Pic Collage project. Please submit those to Kay Parker so that you can get your full credit. I also am doing this because it is such an easy creative way to see how your experience is similar and yet so varied from others! Some peer tutors will be staying, others will be leaving us to take electives or requirements. For each and every one of you ~ Thank you
December 15 to 20
This is the last week of school before we begin our winter break. We return to school January 5th. As we head into this last week, I want to thank the peer tutors and the assistant staff who help with the support.
I am going to a district training Tuesday and Wednesday. Mary Carlin will be substitute teaching for me. The students feel very comfortable with her.
Please have a wonderful two week break and enjoy the time with family and friends.
I am going to a district training Tuesday and Wednesday. Mary Carlin will be substitute teaching for me. The students feel very comfortable with her.
Please have a wonderful two week break and enjoy the time with family and friends.
December 1 to 5
Hope you all had a nice break and are ready for December!
This week I am taking a family sick leave and have left the program in the very capable hands of Kay Parker, Krysta McKay, Megan Tanner, Peggy Morgan, and Tammy Acosta. My substitute is the one and only Mary Carlin. She knows our program, the students, the routines, and has a background in special education, guidance, art, administration, and you name it she has experience teaching it! Thank you Mary.
We are saying "until later" to Aimee who has stepped in to help as our needs grew.
Our schedules remain the same. If I didn't have such a strong staff and peer tutor class, this would impossible. So thank you one and all!
This week I am taking a family sick leave and have left the program in the very capable hands of Kay Parker, Krysta McKay, Megan Tanner, Peggy Morgan, and Tammy Acosta. My substitute is the one and only Mary Carlin. She knows our program, the students, the routines, and has a background in special education, guidance, art, administration, and you name it she has experience teaching it! Thank you Mary.
We are saying "until later" to Aimee who has stepped in to help as our needs grew.
Our schedules remain the same. If I didn't have such a strong staff and peer tutor class, this would impossible. So thank you one and all!
November 24 and 25
We have two days with regular schedule. REMEMBER NO SCHOOL WEDNESDAY
November 17 to 21
This week is College Application Week. The peer tutors will be involved with filling out college applications on Thursday and Friday. Our students will be following their schedules as support is available. If they do not go to the mainstream class, they will be busy with alternative activities in the ECC classrooms. The five seniors will be filling out an application for Canyons Transition Academy that was developed through the special education department.
This week we are continuing to go to Mrs. Baddley's room where we are extending the curriculum of autobiography. The students are creating faces for an ongoing project, that integrates the science core with the English Language Arts core. The faces are created using a mirror to note facial features and will be put on a scarecrow pole in our garden. In Reading we will be doing biographies for the next 2 months.
Another focus continues to be transition as we correlate our college application week. The students are working on Employment Applications: Writing dates, filling out personal information, and discriminating between public/personal/private information and when to use or NOT USE it.
This week we are continuing to go to Mrs. Baddley's room where we are extending the curriculum of autobiography. The students are creating faces for an ongoing project, that integrates the science core with the English Language Arts core. The faces are created using a mirror to note facial features and will be put on a scarecrow pole in our garden. In Reading we will be doing biographies for the next 2 months.
Another focus continues to be transition as we correlate our college application week. The students are working on Employment Applications: Writing dates, filling out personal information, and discriminating between public/personal/private information and when to use or NOT USE it.
Week of November 3 to 7
This week is a regular week. We are starting into the second quarter. Welcome to the new peer tutors.
This week we have been starting a unit on health and fitness. We will be looking a nutrition and also the social etiquette of attending a fitness class. We are looking being "On Time" which means getting ready before the start time. We discussed taking care of personal needs and getting into the PE or fitness clothes and getting out the mat or exercise equipment and finding their spots. During the class the students are practicing the routines but also focusing and not interrupting the fitness instructor. Finally the social etiquette for ending the class, including putting away equipment and thanking the instructor.
I am planning to have the students attend a class either mainstream setting based or at a local fitness center such as Dimple Dell Fitness Center as these skills are mastered.
As students become more involved in their communities, health and wellness options become not only important, but a great way to socialize with people. We are trying to access options that are affordable and also allow for a flexible schedule.
This week we have been starting a unit on health and fitness. We will be looking a nutrition and also the social etiquette of attending a fitness class. We are looking being "On Time" which means getting ready before the start time. We discussed taking care of personal needs and getting into the PE or fitness clothes and getting out the mat or exercise equipment and finding their spots. During the class the students are practicing the routines but also focusing and not interrupting the fitness instructor. Finally the social etiquette for ending the class, including putting away equipment and thanking the instructor.
I am planning to have the students attend a class either mainstream setting based or at a local fitness center such as Dimple Dell Fitness Center as these skills are mastered.
As students become more involved in their communities, health and wellness options become not only important, but a great way to socialize with people. We are trying to access options that are affordable and also allow for a flexible schedule.
October 28 to 31 2nd Quarter
October 20 to 24
(REMEMBER OCTOBER 27 IS END OF TERM)
NO SCHOOL OCTOBER 27
This week we are busy ending the quarter. The peer tutors are finishing their last training assignment. We have a regular schedule this week and the end of the quarter is the 27th. Teachers have a regular contract day however they are going to be busy with planning and meetings for the next quarter's business.
The ECC students are working hard.
In our Health Unit of Science we are working on balance, following a Yoga routine, and directions (N,S,E,W) and right/left. We received the therapy balls and bands and are working on core muscles, stretching, strengthening and focus.
Reading Class has some of the most incredible peer tutors. They are teaching the lessons using direct instruction and taking data. They are on their second rotation of skill levels. All are showing progress!
Math Class has focused on money. We have made change, counted amounts, added mixed coins into dollar amounts and are ready for the second quarter: banking and buying with money
Language Arts Class is focusing on personal information such as name, address, telephone number and emergency contacts. Others are working on personal versus private information with applications.
Afternoon science has focused on the directions using the high school map as the main element. We have taken pictures of the outside and inside of the school. We project a map onto the board and locate "What is It? ---- And Where Does it Go?" as each student places the picture in the correct place on the map.
And finally we end our day with dancing. Dancing is joyful. Dancing is social. Dancing reminds us to use our left and right and personal space. It is great to do at the end of a long day at work!
Peer tutors like it too!
The ECC students are working hard.
In our Health Unit of Science we are working on balance, following a Yoga routine, and directions (N,S,E,W) and right/left. We received the therapy balls and bands and are working on core muscles, stretching, strengthening and focus.
Reading Class has some of the most incredible peer tutors. They are teaching the lessons using direct instruction and taking data. They are on their second rotation of skill levels. All are showing progress!
Math Class has focused on money. We have made change, counted amounts, added mixed coins into dollar amounts and are ready for the second quarter: banking and buying with money
Language Arts Class is focusing on personal information such as name, address, telephone number and emergency contacts. Others are working on personal versus private information with applications.
Afternoon science has focused on the directions using the high school map as the main element. We have taken pictures of the outside and inside of the school. We project a map onto the board and locate "What is It? ---- And Where Does it Go?" as each student places the picture in the correct place on the map.
And finally we end our day with dancing. Dancing is joyful. Dancing is social. Dancing reminds us to use our left and right and personal space. It is great to do at the end of a long day at work!
Peer tutors like it too!
Week of September 29 to October 3
Four day School Week. Parent teacher Conferences Tuesday and Wednesday Evenings and
No School Friday
No School Friday
Week of September 22 to 26
Farmer's Market
Comic Con Tuesday: Dress as your favorite comic strip character
Wildlife Wednesday: animal print, safari swag, animal ears and noses (hey, I've seen them around), Ducky Dynasty anything really, wildlife pictures on your shirt Throwback Thursday: at least, try to throw it back further than what you wore the day before. The 70's, 80's, 90's...or the 20's...or the 60's (minus the mind altering specialties) Camo-Out Friday: because D.I literally thanked us last year, since JHS pretty much bought out all the camo in this part of the valley (no...really....they did)....AND because, we beat Alta last year during our Camo-Out (needing the good JooJoo for Friday's game). |
Next week Kay Parker is on vacation and Mary Carling is taking her place. She is our most wonderful sub bringing years of experience. She knows most of the students so it should be smooth overall.
Next Wednesday and Thursday is Farmer's Market. One hour lunches both days. Friday is Homecoming Assembly. |
No School Friday September 19
September 8 to 12 News and Events
This week we are focusing on Science. What is Science?
Science is:
measuring weighing taking the temperature reading charts and graphs health
wellness observing using a compass for directions map reading (N,S,E,W) botany
*****************************************************************************
This week we are looking at using a map of our school and a compass. We are following a compass on our iPads and my iPhone to see what direction we are going as we travel around the school. Our first lesson is to locate places around Jordan High School to the North, South, East, and West. When we do, we use the iPads to take pictures. (These are iPads that are my iPads from my endorsement in educational technology, as we wait for the school ones to arrive to our classroom). We will print these and place them onto the school maps.
Over the coming weeks we will be charting our routes around the school noting when we turn and to which direction we do and mark those turns on our maps.
In our Yoga class we also turn to the north, south, east, and west as we bend, stretch and grow strong.
Coach Dave comes on Thursdays and he will continue to guide my staff, peer tutors and the students with increased balance, and ball skills.
Science is:
measuring weighing taking the temperature reading charts and graphs health
wellness observing using a compass for directions map reading (N,S,E,W) botany
*****************************************************************************
This week we are looking at using a map of our school and a compass. We are following a compass on our iPads and my iPhone to see what direction we are going as we travel around the school. Our first lesson is to locate places around Jordan High School to the North, South, East, and West. When we do, we use the iPads to take pictures. (These are iPads that are my iPads from my endorsement in educational technology, as we wait for the school ones to arrive to our classroom). We will print these and place them onto the school maps.
Over the coming weeks we will be charting our routes around the school noting when we turn and to which direction we do and mark those turns on our maps.
In our Yoga class we also turn to the north, south, east, and west as we bend, stretch and grow strong.
Coach Dave comes on Thursdays and he will continue to guide my staff, peer tutors and the students with increased balance, and ball skills.
Week of September 2 to 5
This week the students are receiving their handbooks along with a short assembly that covers the major issues. The vice principals are in charge of this assembly that is during the English class. It also includes a brief tour of the guidance center.
If you have classes you are interested in having your student take, please contact the counselor directly. I cannot make those changes. But each counselor always works with and communicates with me over these requests. We can also meet together for an appointment if you wish. The counselor will schedule with me and we meet in the counseling center.
If you have classes you are interested in having your student take, please contact the counselor directly. I cannot make those changes. But each counselor always works with and communicates with me over these requests. We can also meet together for an appointment if you wish. The counselor will schedule with me and we meet in the counseling center.
Week of August 25 - 29
First full week and we are adjusting to the new school year. Thursday brought us a surprise fire drill evacuation. Thanks to "Coach Dave" we all were very successful and went out and returned.
Be aware there seems to be a the "return to school cold like bug" that includes cough, runny nose and sore throat. It is around the valley as students and staff return the first week.
Go to the welcome page and click the link to the Jordan High School website for school wide information.
Also any course changes or questions about electives will include input from your student's guidance counselor. You can find that on the magnetic calendar or main website. Either call them directly to arrange a time or myself. My preparation times are 4th (1 to 2:25) and 5th period (7:50 to 9:20).
Be aware there seems to be a the "return to school cold like bug" that includes cough, runny nose and sore throat. It is around the valley as students and staff return the first week.
Go to the welcome page and click the link to the Jordan High School website for school wide information.
Also any course changes or questions about electives will include input from your student's guidance counselor. You can find that on the magnetic calendar or main website. Either call them directly to arrange a time or myself. My preparation times are 4th (1 to 2:25) and 5th period (7:50 to 9:20).
Welcome to School Year 2014-2015
Welcome to another school year, where it is always A Great Day to Be a Beetdigger!
We look to be 16 students strong with a support system comprised of staff and peer tutors.
Our staff is:
Kay Parker (35 hours) 7:30 to 2:30 daily
Tomasa Acosta (17 hours) A days only 7:00 to 2:00
Megan Tanner (17 hours) mainstream support 8:00 to 11:30 daily
Krysta Jensen McKay (28 hours) support afternoons daily
Peggy Morgan (17 hours) A days 8:00 to 11:30 B days 7:00 to 10:30
Peer tutors comprise of juniors and seniors many of whom are returning. Without them our program would not be the amazing one it is!
We look to be 16 students strong with a support system comprised of staff and peer tutors.
Our staff is:
Kay Parker (35 hours) 7:30 to 2:30 daily
Tomasa Acosta (17 hours) A days only 7:00 to 2:00
Megan Tanner (17 hours) mainstream support 8:00 to 11:30 daily
Krysta Jensen McKay (28 hours) support afternoons daily
Peggy Morgan (17 hours) A days 8:00 to 11:30 B days 7:00 to 10:30
Peer tutors comprise of juniors and seniors many of whom are returning. Without them our program would not be the amazing one it is!
Week of May 27 to 30
Four days this week. We have an assembly Friday as well. Then Monday June 2 is Yearbook Day. What does that mean?
Monday is a regular day for bus arrival and departure. Heather goes to graduation practice while general activities and supervision are provided by our wonderful support staff. Lunch will be provided in the cafeteria. It is whatever they have to serve as we wind down.
After the senior finish their graduation practice they are released to pick up the Yearbook and head to the stadium for a lunch courtesy of Iceberg. After the seniors pick up their books, the underclassmen go to get their books. If your student IS NOT getting a Yearbook then they will remain upstairs with us until the bus arrives to take them home. PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR DRIVER FOR YOUR SCHEDULE FOR THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL.
Monday is a regular day for bus arrival and departure. Heather goes to graduation practice while general activities and supervision are provided by our wonderful support staff. Lunch will be provided in the cafeteria. It is whatever they have to serve as we wind down.
After the senior finish their graduation practice they are released to pick up the Yearbook and head to the stadium for a lunch courtesy of Iceberg. After the seniors pick up their books, the underclassmen go to get their books. If your student IS NOT getting a Yearbook then they will remain upstairs with us until the bus arrives to take them home. PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR DRIVER FOR YOUR SCHEDULE FOR THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL.
PROM ...
and they dance the night away. Thank you one and all for another amazing night at Jordan High School's Junior PROM. The promenade is always our favorite highlight. Ryan, Chandler, Gabby made those stairs into runways for our students. I will be including several short photo essays regarding the night shortly.
It is but 9 more days until we have Yearbook and graduation.
and they dance the night away. Thank you one and all for another amazing night at Jordan High School's Junior PROM. The promenade is always our favorite highlight. Ryan, Chandler, Gabby made those stairs into runways for our students. I will be including several short photo essays regarding the night shortly.
It is but 9 more days until we have Yearbook and graduation.
Spirit Week is Coming May 12 to 16
Monday is Sports Day ... football, tennis, lacrosse, basketball, soccer, baseball, softball ... logo your choice and show your sporting attitude!
There is a Spirit Assembly Friday so we will be on an Assembly Schedule. This one is loud so those who choose not to attend are more than welcome to remain upstairs and have free choice time.
There is a Spirit Assembly Friday so we will be on an Assembly Schedule. This one is loud so those who choose not to attend are more than welcome to remain upstairs and have free choice time.
Scheduling for NEXT YEAR!!!
Dear Parents ... Here is hot off the email info
Teachers –
Aides will be bringing materials for you to hand out to students tomorrow during 1st period. This information includes worksheets and directions for Arena Scheduling and the master schedule for students to plan out their courses.
This information should be given to all students currently in grades 9-11.
If students have a lot of questions about these materials, we will have help sessions on the first day of Arena for each grade level and students are also welcome to make an appointment with their counselor.
Arena Scheduling Dates are as follows:
Tuesday, April 29th – Incoming Seniors (help session 3-6 in the Counseling Center)
Thursday, May 1st – Incoming Juniors (help session 3-6 in the Counseling Center)
Monday, May 5th – Incoming Sophomores (help session 3-6 in the Counseling Center)
Wednesday, May 7th – Incoming Freshman (help session 3:30 – 6 on May 7th and May 8th in the Counseling Center)
Thank you for your assistance!
April Sagala
Counselor
Jordan High School
Teachers –
Aides will be bringing materials for you to hand out to students tomorrow during 1st period. This information includes worksheets and directions for Arena Scheduling and the master schedule for students to plan out their courses.
This information should be given to all students currently in grades 9-11.
If students have a lot of questions about these materials, we will have help sessions on the first day of Arena for each grade level and students are also welcome to make an appointment with their counselor.
Arena Scheduling Dates are as follows:
Tuesday, April 29th – Incoming Seniors (help session 3-6 in the Counseling Center)
Thursday, May 1st – Incoming Juniors (help session 3-6 in the Counseling Center)
Monday, May 5th – Incoming Sophomores (help session 3-6 in the Counseling Center)
Wednesday, May 7th – Incoming Freshman (help session 3:30 – 6 on May 7th and May 8th in the Counseling Center)
Thank you for your assistance!
April Sagala
Counselor
Jordan High School
April 7 to 11
This week begins testing ... for many it is the SAGE tests. For the students in the ECC program, it is the Utah Alternative Assessment (UAA) that we stated within each student's IEP under assessments. We are also piloting the KITE the next version of the Alternative Assessments. We will be administering these throughout the day through May 11.
We are also studying Constellations and the mythology behind those constellations. We are starting to use our star gazer wheels and will be asking parents to go outside and look up with their student to find these constellations. We are creating the constellations by connecting stars with glow in the dark paint; so you should be able to use them in your "homework". Astronomy is a high school science course from which I am extracting essential elements to for my science lessons. I am busy creating another unit for physics using Bocce and Tennis (Pickle Ball) for us to study gravity, velocity, force etc. I will be putting these lessons on our website as they are implemented.
We are also studying Constellations and the mythology behind those constellations. We are starting to use our star gazer wheels and will be asking parents to go outside and look up with their student to find these constellations. We are creating the constellations by connecting stars with glow in the dark paint; so you should be able to use them in your "homework". Astronomy is a high school science course from which I am extracting essential elements to for my science lessons. I am busy creating another unit for physics using Bocce and Tennis (Pickle Ball) for us to study gravity, velocity, force etc. I will be putting these lessons on our website as they are implemented.
March 17 to 24
The warm weather has begun to lift our spirits! This month we are looking at the weather and the rapid changes in temperature throughout the day. We are recording the daily temperature three times a day: 1) 8:40 AM 2) 12:00 PM and 3) 2:15 PM. The purpose is to record data (time/temp/setting) and look for patterns and changes across time. It is not only to build these skills, but most importantly to learn to predict the future events based on the past events. By doing this students can begin to plan for clothing choices or whether to bring an umbrella etc. Others will be able to see patterns in their environment that are meaningful. I also am using patterns and prediction with our breakfast/lunch menus and even movie plots. One student is using the hero pattern to create a poster to draw on her own personal "hero story".
As you see patterns in your world, I would love for you to discuss it with your student.
The schedule next week looks to be following the regular class times.
I am sending home those Unified Sports Instructions on how to register your student. I am working with Megan Dixon coach and prepare for the events. I have a copy of the rules and will be sharing those with Coach Dave Anderson as well. He is assisting me in the soccer team events!
As you see patterns in your world, I would love for you to discuss it with your student.
The schedule next week looks to be following the regular class times.
I am sending home those Unified Sports Instructions on how to register your student. I am working with Megan Dixon coach and prepare for the events. I have a copy of the rules and will be sharing those with Coach Dave Anderson as well. He is assisting me in the soccer team events!
Week of March 10 to 14
Believe it or not, it is a regular week scheduling. Despite the daylight savings time change; we are on track though many students all over the school are reporting feeling tired. Also there is a cold, cough, flu "thing" circulating as well.
Our staffing is now complete: Kay and Janet are our 35 hour assistants with Peggy Morgan greeting the students and working from 7 to 10:30. On Mon, Wed, Fri, we have Megan Tanner (who is also a certified CNA) working with Alexa. And Krysta come sin from 11 to 2:30 to work with the class in the afternoon.
We are learning about constellations and the saying "march comes in like a lion and out like a lamb" because the major constellation to begin March is Leo (of Hercules fame) and leaves with Aries emerging (Ram of Jason and the Golden Fleece fame) so I am using a mythology unit and adding astronomy units to our Science curriculum.
Our staffing is now complete: Kay and Janet are our 35 hour assistants with Peggy Morgan greeting the students and working from 7 to 10:30. On Mon, Wed, Fri, we have Megan Tanner (who is also a certified CNA) working with Alexa. And Krysta come sin from 11 to 2:30 to work with the class in the afternoon.
We are learning about constellations and the saying "march comes in like a lion and out like a lamb" because the major constellation to begin March is Leo (of Hercules fame) and leaves with Aries emerging (Ram of Jason and the Golden Fleece fame) so I am using a mythology unit and adding astronomy units to our Science curriculum.
The second semester has begun and the CTEC classes with Greenhouse Management and Landscaping is well underway. This photo was taken by Lisa for Brian to show people, This Is a Great Class!
So if you want a great vocational training experience, this is a great class. Learn to plant, grow and maintain flowers, trees, and shrubs as well as how to decorate and landscape your yards and business spaces. My Lund teaches this class in the afternoons. A bus is provided, and we provide the adult support from our staff in the ECC program.
I will let you know when the geranium sale is!
So if you want a great vocational training experience, this is a great class. Learn to plant, grow and maintain flowers, trees, and shrubs as well as how to decorate and landscape your yards and business spaces. My Lund teaches this class in the afternoons. A bus is provided, and we provide the adult support from our staff in the ECC program.
I will let you know when the geranium sale is!
December 2 through 6 News
Our science unit will be expanding. Now we will not only take the outside temperature. We will be inputting data onto a table. The table requires the day and date, an event (assembly, A day, etc. and the sky description. The temperature will be placed on a scale and and a line graph will be drawn after a week. We are noting days above freezing versus below freezing as the snow/rain changes occur.
It has been awhile since I have had the opportunity to update our news. The good news is we have been very busy!
We have completed our December placemats. Several people have asked why it is we make the placemats.
The placemats serve two purposes. The first is of course, that they are used as placemats when students eat their breakfast and lunch meals. They keep the food off the table and can be easily cleaned. As many students have goals around table setting and eating etiquette, these mats allow us to work on those goals twice a day. The second purpose is academic. Yes, academic. When we create these placemats, the students must follow a check list direction format. Check lists are critical to independence. The more independently a student can follow a step by step set of directions, the more opportunities the students have in the world of work. It help the student keep track of what they have accomplished and what they have yet to do. It allows the 17 students to move at their BEST PACE.
All placemats start with a calendar: the students must write the month or select the correct one from a multiple choice format), write the days of the week and the dates (#) in the corresponding date. We then identify holidays (federal = closures and special transportation schedules) and no school days.
Other components focus on core curriculum essential elements. Signatures, reading charts, graphs, and tables, finding patterns and reading skills can be found in the mats. We send them home each month for parents to review and I use them for noticing how much the skills are improving.
We have completed our December placemats. Several people have asked why it is we make the placemats.
The placemats serve two purposes. The first is of course, that they are used as placemats when students eat their breakfast and lunch meals. They keep the food off the table and can be easily cleaned. As many students have goals around table setting and eating etiquette, these mats allow us to work on those goals twice a day. The second purpose is academic. Yes, academic. When we create these placemats, the students must follow a check list direction format. Check lists are critical to independence. The more independently a student can follow a step by step set of directions, the more opportunities the students have in the world of work. It help the student keep track of what they have accomplished and what they have yet to do. It allows the 17 students to move at their BEST PACE.
All placemats start with a calendar: the students must write the month or select the correct one from a multiple choice format), write the days of the week and the dates (#) in the corresponding date. We then identify holidays (federal = closures and special transportation schedules) and no school days.
Other components focus on core curriculum essential elements. Signatures, reading charts, graphs, and tables, finding patterns and reading skills can be found in the mats. We send them home each month for parents to review and I use them for noticing how much the skills are improving.
Faith Jacoway is in the news ...
Peer Tutors Assignment: Word of the Week OMIT
The school is having the students be introduced to a word of the week. The students see the word and its definition around the school. I have included this into the peer tutor assignments because increased vocabulary knowledge is always going to help students.
Last week the word was benefit. The assignment was answer the question: How does your participation int he peer tutoring program benefit the Extended Core Program?
This week's word is Omit: The assignment is to complete 2 analogies and tell the analogous relationship. I chose this because many high stakes tests use analogies.
Last week the word was benefit. The assignment was answer the question: How does your participation int he peer tutoring program benefit the Extended Core Program?
This week's word is Omit: The assignment is to complete 2 analogies and tell the analogous relationship. I chose this because many high stakes tests use analogies.
Week of October 8 to 11 (4 days)
A short week!
We will have several of those this month. 4 day week this week. 3 day week the week after (October 14 to 16) and another 4 day week (October 21 to 24)
Our focus this week will be on measuring and weighing as our pumpkins start ripening. The first pumpkin was picked ans weighed in at 4 pounds. We are going to cut it open and remove the seeds. They are being combined with our watermelon and sunflower seeds to create a birdseed mixture. The winter months will have us looking at birds who will be visiting our feeders. Again we will be logging types of birds, reading charts and graphing the most common visitors versus rarest. (Science/math) Keeping our journals and taking the daily temperature will continue.
Our literature groups are finishing up their first "novels" Black Beauty and White Fang.
We will have several of those this month. 4 day week this week. 3 day week the week after (October 14 to 16) and another 4 day week (October 21 to 24)
Our focus this week will be on measuring and weighing as our pumpkins start ripening. The first pumpkin was picked ans weighed in at 4 pounds. We are going to cut it open and remove the seeds. They are being combined with our watermelon and sunflower seeds to create a birdseed mixture. The winter months will have us looking at birds who will be visiting our feeders. Again we will be logging types of birds, reading charts and graphing the most common visitors versus rarest. (Science/math) Keeping our journals and taking the daily temperature will continue.
Our literature groups are finishing up their first "novels" Black Beauty and White Fang.
Peer Tutors Check Your Web Page
Week of September 30 to October 4
Parent Teacher Conferences are coming! Jordan High has conferences on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 4 to 8. I will be in J206. I will be reviewing our basic program and discussing what you would like to see for your students' in the upcoming weeks and months ahead. Friday the 4th is a NO SCHOOL DAY and MONDAY the 7th is NO SCHOOL.
Come see the wordles (word clouds your students created. They picked adjectives, nouns and verbs to describe themselves, the colors, layout and fonts. We used one print for a placemat and another for our walls. To the lower left you can see our check in and out as students go with peer tutors and assistants from class to class. They find the peer tutor name, place it beside theirs, hand the peer tutor their badge and away they go. We are definitely getting faster!
Come see the wordles (word clouds your students created. They picked adjectives, nouns and verbs to describe themselves, the colors, layout and fonts. We used one print for a placemat and another for our walls. To the lower left you can see our check in and out as students go with peer tutors and assistants from class to class. They find the peer tutor name, place it beside theirs, hand the peer tutor their badge and away they go. We are definitely getting faster!
Week of September 23 to 27
This week we were fortunate to have Mary substitute for Kay. Kay returns tomorrow, Friday.
While she was gone, we cut our sunflowers and gave them to the art department to sketch and use for still life projects. After they are finished, we will remove the seeds, add other seeds, corn, and nuts to create a birdseed mixture. We will begin to log what birds arrive. We also are measuring every day objects for length and width as well as height.
Other goals include using math to count calories and serving sizes as well as using the new menu app from Canyons School District to see what calories are in our school meal offerings!
While she was gone, we cut our sunflowers and gave them to the art department to sketch and use for still life projects. After they are finished, we will remove the seeds, add other seeds, corn, and nuts to create a birdseed mixture. We will begin to log what birds arrive. We also are measuring every day objects for length and width as well as height.
Other goals include using math to count calories and serving sizes as well as using the new menu app from Canyons School District to see what calories are in our school meal offerings!
Week of September 16 to 20
This week my focus is on sharing the curriculum we use for extended the core curriculum in the areas of math, science and language arts. I will again, remind teachers that those students who are in the extended core curriculum program are taking these classes pass/fail. Also, please understand that the attendance policy does not apply for these students. Due to our unique needs, your student may be late arriving at the class because they are awaiting their support peer tutor, they are finishing their meal, they are using the restroom, they are seeing a related service provider such as the speech pathologist or occupational therapist. The regular education teacher has been instructed to take roll within the first 5 minutes of class. That means your student may be counted as tardy or late or even absent. However, providing for your student's unique needs is a priority. Your student will not have to go to attendance school or make up the missed time.
Every morning, those students who eat breakfast here participate in our "Breakfast Club". Those students who are independent, proceed down to the cafeteria at 7:15. Those who need an escort do so and work on: using the keypad to put in their lunch (student) number, using a placemat template to "set their table" and eating with utensils. We also use straws for those needing the tongue swallow practice. I have designed and we take data, based on these activities.
We repeat this for the lunch as well. Kay will also send home a slip if you are nearing a zero balance or are overdrawn in your meal account. We are the only group with whom they will carry a negative balance.
The picture you see is correlated to our science, math and language arts goals. Thanks to our educational technologist, and our principal; we have 4 container gardens. This year we grew sunflowers, geraniums, pumpkins, watermelons, and herbs. Each day, a group goes out and collects information (data) about the garden. We use scientific instruments (thermometers and rulers) to check sky and soil temperatures and growth of the plants. For those whose written skills are limited we take photographs and use pic collage to describe the journal entry.
Every morning, those students who eat breakfast here participate in our "Breakfast Club". Those students who are independent, proceed down to the cafeteria at 7:15. Those who need an escort do so and work on: using the keypad to put in their lunch (student) number, using a placemat template to "set their table" and eating with utensils. We also use straws for those needing the tongue swallow practice. I have designed and we take data, based on these activities.
We repeat this for the lunch as well. Kay will also send home a slip if you are nearing a zero balance or are overdrawn in your meal account. We are the only group with whom they will carry a negative balance.
The picture you see is correlated to our science, math and language arts goals. Thanks to our educational technologist, and our principal; we have 4 container gardens. This year we grew sunflowers, geraniums, pumpkins, watermelons, and herbs. Each day, a group goes out and collects information (data) about the garden. We use scientific instruments (thermometers and rulers) to check sky and soil temperatures and growth of the plants. For those whose written skills are limited we take photographs and use pic collage to describe the journal entry.
Week of September 9 to 13
As of the end of this week we have added another student to our class. We are also in the process of seeking a 17 hour assistant as Maria Garcia (Mini) is leaving us to join AmeriCorps full time. We wish her well and will miss her very much. Her smile as she welcomes the students every morning, her willingness to go above and beyond has been wonderful.
As we move forward, I will be calling parents to set up times for IEP meetings and/or review your students' program.
As we move forward, I will be calling parents to set up times for IEP meetings and/or review your students' program.
Concepts regarding Homecoming
This week we discussed several traditions at Jordan High school. We talked about a tradition being something you do every year:
Jordan High School traditions:
Guy Chars: Guy chars is a spoof This is when guys dress up like the Chars and wear a silly costume and dance to a silly routine.
Royalty: Those are the people who are voted to be a king and queen and wear a "crown" just for the Homecoming events
Powder Puff Football is another Spoof where the girls play football and the boys are the cheerleaders.
Farmer's Market is the hour at lunch where little stores owned by the clubs sell things for us to buy.
Jordan High School traditions:
Guy Chars: Guy chars is a spoof This is when guys dress up like the Chars and wear a silly costume and dance to a silly routine.
Royalty: Those are the people who are voted to be a king and queen and wear a "crown" just for the Homecoming events
Powder Puff Football is another Spoof where the girls play football and the boys are the cheerleaders.
Farmer's Market is the hour at lunch where little stores owned by the clubs sell things for us to buy.
Homecoming Week is here
This is the week we celebrate Homecoming. Every year we have theme dressing.
Tuesday is SuperHero
Wednesday is Mismatch
Thursday is Safari
Friday is White Out followed by the 6PM Chars Chalk Fight & 7PM football game versus East High School
Here is the current list of booth offerings for the hour lunches on Wednesday and Thursday.
Tuesday is SuperHero
Wednesday is Mismatch
Thursday is Safari
Friday is White Out followed by the 6PM Chars Chalk Fight & 7PM football game versus East High School
Here is the current list of booth offerings for the hour lunches on Wednesday and Thursday.
The first week is almost over!
I want to thank each and every one of the students, parents, faculty, administration and staff who have made the first week welcoming for all the students of the entire Extended Core Program. BRAVO!
As of today, we are 16 students strong with over 40 peer tutors and growing! We have 6 assistants: Kay Parker and Janet Jensen are full time every day, while we have 4 part time assistants: Kallie Webster and Krysta Jensen (Beetdigger alumni) with the tag team Minerva Garcia and Tammy Acosta.
We are still short peer tutors for several periods but we are working hard to get everyone to their inclusion classes ASAP
PEER TUTORS: Please go to your menu tab and listen to the lesson on data collection. You will be starting to collect the data each class period beginning Monday.
ECC Students/Parents: Please go to the ECC student page and review together the Rules of the ECC classroom as well as the disclosure. I will be sending home the disclosure to be signed next week.
I will be using this space to keep you current with events and changes both for the school as well as our program.
September 3 through 7 is Homecoming Week. The Clubs will be selling items to help fundraise for their activities that week for Wed and Thurs lunch. The entire school has a one hour lunch where students may go and purchase items and food at the club booths.
THERE ARE NO PEER TUTORS FOR THIS HOUR IF YOU WANT YOUR ECC STUDENT TO PARTICIPATE YOU WILL NEED TO ARRANGE WITH A BEETDIGGER FRIEND TO GO WITH YOUR STUDENT TO THE MARKET. ONCE I GET THE PRICE LIST OF ITEMS I WILL PUT IT ON THE WEBSITE.
If your student is not participating, regular lunch is being served and general supervision with activities will be held in J202 and J206.
That week we also have themed dress days; usually sports, cowboy, girls wear pink/boys wear blue. Again I will let you know the theme of the day. On Friday there is an assembly in the auditorium to conclude the week. I will review assembly manners prior to attending.
I want to thank each and every one of the students, parents, faculty, administration and staff who have made the first week welcoming for all the students of the entire Extended Core Program. BRAVO!
As of today, we are 16 students strong with over 40 peer tutors and growing! We have 6 assistants: Kay Parker and Janet Jensen are full time every day, while we have 4 part time assistants: Kallie Webster and Krysta Jensen (Beetdigger alumni) with the tag team Minerva Garcia and Tammy Acosta.
We are still short peer tutors for several periods but we are working hard to get everyone to their inclusion classes ASAP
PEER TUTORS: Please go to your menu tab and listen to the lesson on data collection. You will be starting to collect the data each class period beginning Monday.
ECC Students/Parents: Please go to the ECC student page and review together the Rules of the ECC classroom as well as the disclosure. I will be sending home the disclosure to be signed next week.
I will be using this space to keep you current with events and changes both for the school as well as our program.
September 3 through 7 is Homecoming Week. The Clubs will be selling items to help fundraise for their activities that week for Wed and Thurs lunch. The entire school has a one hour lunch where students may go and purchase items and food at the club booths.
THERE ARE NO PEER TUTORS FOR THIS HOUR IF YOU WANT YOUR ECC STUDENT TO PARTICIPATE YOU WILL NEED TO ARRANGE WITH A BEETDIGGER FRIEND TO GO WITH YOUR STUDENT TO THE MARKET. ONCE I GET THE PRICE LIST OF ITEMS I WILL PUT IT ON THE WEBSITE.
If your student is not participating, regular lunch is being served and general supervision with activities will be held in J202 and J206.
That week we also have themed dress days; usually sports, cowboy, girls wear pink/boys wear blue. Again I will let you know the theme of the day. On Friday there is an assembly in the auditorium to conclude the week. I will review assembly manners prior to attending.
Welcome to The New Year!
Where it is a Great Day to Be a Beetdigger
We are here J202 and J206, waiting for our new school year to begin!
This year we have the following support staff returning:
Kay Parker Janet Jensen
Kallie Webster Tammy Acosta
We will have 2 new assistants as Nadeen has moved:
Minerva Garcia is moving from Eastmont
Krysta Jensen is a welcome new hire and Yes she is a Jordan High School Graduate!
So what will this year bring? Lots of learning, fun, changes, and a new resource for the parents of special education parents. Here is a link for you Canyons Special Parent Page
Here is a variety of sources for you and if you click on the Utah Parent Center Icon it will link directly to that website.
I will see you all on Monday August 19th; and will be greeting the busses as they arrive. Breakfast, for those who want to get some, starts at 7:15. The first class of the day starts at 7:50. Until then, we have our "lounge area" open with the daily newspaper and homework help available.
I would recommend that all of you take the time to go to the school page linked here
Jordan Diggers New Student Orientation and look at the sections.
This year we have the following support staff returning:
Kay Parker Janet Jensen
Kallie Webster Tammy Acosta
We will have 2 new assistants as Nadeen has moved:
Minerva Garcia is moving from Eastmont
Krysta Jensen is a welcome new hire and Yes she is a Jordan High School Graduate!
So what will this year bring? Lots of learning, fun, changes, and a new resource for the parents of special education parents. Here is a link for you Canyons Special Parent Page
Here is a variety of sources for you and if you click on the Utah Parent Center Icon it will link directly to that website.
I will see you all on Monday August 19th; and will be greeting the busses as they arrive. Breakfast, for those who want to get some, starts at 7:15. The first class of the day starts at 7:50. Until then, we have our "lounge area" open with the daily newspaper and homework help available.
I would recommend that all of you take the time to go to the school page linked here
Jordan Diggers New Student Orientation and look at the sections.
It is Summer ... Time to Enjoy Family, Friends, and Fun
This summer I hope you will take the time to enjoy your family, friends and have fun. Students like to "sleep in" and relax. But I also hope you will use the time to keep going and growing. I am going to post several suggestions for those of you who may be looking for things to do.
When you go to the grocery store ...
Get the flyers and find the sales items. Subtract the sales price from the original price and count out the change.
Or when you shop have your student locate 3 to 4 items and Add them up and pay.
When you go to the grocery store ...
Get the flyers and find the sales items. Subtract the sales price from the original price and count out the change.
Or when you shop have your student locate 3 to 4 items and Add them up and pay.
Oh the Places You Go ...
I want to thank each and every person who has helped us make the Extended Core Program such a wonderful place to live, learn, and grow.
It is never easy.
It is never quiet.
It is never what the schedule you planned.
Somedays nothing goes according to schedule. Thank you all for being flexible, tolerant, and above all smiling your way through it. Thank you for caring and for making it "A Great Day to Be a Beetdigger".
Thank you faculty for total inclusion.
Thank you staff for the flexible way we just get those students included
Thank you peer tutors for signing up, showing up, and giving of yourselves!
Thank you Administration for every back up support you provide each and every day
Thank you parents for the trust and care you give to your student
Thank you para-educators for the extra smile, extra mile, and extra trial you accomplished!
Summer is the time to refresh, revive and replenish!
To those who graduated ... Oh the places you will go and I hope you will come tell us all about it.
It is never easy.
It is never quiet.
It is never what the schedule you planned.
Somedays nothing goes according to schedule. Thank you all for being flexible, tolerant, and above all smiling your way through it. Thank you for caring and for making it "A Great Day to Be a Beetdigger".
Thank you faculty for total inclusion.
Thank you staff for the flexible way we just get those students included
Thank you peer tutors for signing up, showing up, and giving of yourselves!
Thank you Administration for every back up support you provide each and every day
Thank you parents for the trust and care you give to your student
Thank you para-educators for the extra smile, extra mile, and extra trial you accomplished!
Summer is the time to refresh, revive and replenish!
To those who graduated ... Oh the places you will go and I hope you will come tell us all about it.
Free Meals for Children 18 and younger
Countdown has Begun
This Week has 4 days!
Tuesday is a B day (normal schedule) Wednesday is an A day (normal schedule) Thursday is a B day (normal schedule) Friday is double assembly schedule The assembly is the End of the Year Video Friday night is Seniors Only Senior Dinner Dance. $35.00 includes the dinner At the Barn at Thanksgiving Point Purchase tickets in the Main Office @ JHS Heather Will be at
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Last Week of School!
Monday is a B day (regular schedule) This is when all students go to class with their check out sheets Tuesday is an A day (regular schedule) This is when all students go to class with their check out sheets and if cleared are good to go for getting their yearbooks etc. Wednesday is B day and at 10:00 begins Yearbook Day for sophomores and juniors. Lunch will be in the cafeteria as usual for sophomores/juniors All seniors will be attending graduation practice in the large gym then getting their yearbooks and going to the school provided Senior Lunch in the football field at 11:00. Thursday is an A day (regular schedule) but all text books have been returned and supplementary curriculum is being provided related to the course. However no senior peer tutors, so going to the regular class depends on available staffing. Lunch is prepared in cafeteria. NO SENIORS (Seniors will be going to UVU by 1:00 for graduation) Staff will be there for regular school hours. NO SCHOOL NO BUS FRIDAY |
Back to Reality ... Yes We are Still Learning!
I have reviewed the Essential Elements fo the Common Core for Science. One important element is to conduct an Experiment.
Why?
Because it is very important for anyone to ask a question about the world around them and be able to figure out the answer.
I have used our Donors Choose curriculum to bring that to reality. The students provide the 5 essential elements of any critical thinking experiment:
1) What is the question I have about this? Hypothesis
2) What do I think will happen? Prediction
3) What supplies do I need and what directions do I need to follow? Procedure
4) What do I see? Chart it Observation/Data Collection
5) Was I right? All Some None Conclusion
1) The question our students created was: What do plants need to grow?
2) I think the plant with no light will not grow
I think the plant with no water will not grow
I think the plant with water and light will grow
3) Supplies: (We inventoried the supplies provided in our kit)
Directions (We read and used a check list to follow the directions in our kit)
4) Observations ( We take pictures every day of our 3 plants for 10 days)
Stay Tuned as we find out if our conclusions were right!
Why?
Because it is very important for anyone to ask a question about the world around them and be able to figure out the answer.
I have used our Donors Choose curriculum to bring that to reality. The students provide the 5 essential elements of any critical thinking experiment:
1) What is the question I have about this? Hypothesis
2) What do I think will happen? Prediction
3) What supplies do I need and what directions do I need to follow? Procedure
4) What do I see? Chart it Observation/Data Collection
5) Was I right? All Some None Conclusion
1) The question our students created was: What do plants need to grow?
2) I think the plant with no light will not grow
I think the plant with no water will not grow
I think the plant with water and light will grow
3) Supplies: (We inventoried the supplies provided in our kit)
Directions (We read and used a check list to follow the directions in our kit)
4) Observations ( We take pictures every day of our 3 plants for 10 days)
Stay Tuned as we find out if our conclusions were right!
PROM
The "yellow limo" courtesy of Jordan High School and Mr. Sherwood will leave the front of the school at 7:30. We will be met at the PROM and have our picture taken. The bus will leave between 10:30 and 11:00 to return back to Jordan High School. We will be posting pictures over the next few days!
Thank you to Mrs. Maughan for gathering dresses to share, Black Tie Tuxedo for the tuxedos, Ensign Floral Wholesale for the flowers and Awbree for coming to show us how to create our corsages and boutonnieres.
Thank you to Mrs. Maughan for gathering dresses to share, Black Tie Tuxedo for the tuxedos, Ensign Floral Wholesale for the flowers and Awbree for coming to show us how to create our corsages and boutonnieres.
Our Donors Choose Funding at Work
We are using rulers and thermometers to measure leaf length and the temperature in real time! In doing so, we are meeting the Essential Elements of High School Science!
June Events for Seniors
June 5th is graduation practice. We will go to the gym and practice. BE THERE AT 7:45 AM WITH YOUR CAP AND GOWN
June 6th BE AT UVU by !:00 WITH YOUR CAP AND GOWN
June 6th BE AT UVU by !:00 WITH YOUR CAP AND GOWN
May Events
Tomorrow May 2nd is the Senior Assembly from Josten's. THe seniors will be going for part of first period to get information and the go to their 2nd period class.
On May 3 is Spirit Assembly in the stadium from 1:00 to 2:25. The classes will be scheduled so that 8th period is over at 1:00 and students will be dismissed to the stadium where classes will compete in events such as tug of war. Our peer tutors will be asked to bring the students back to our program rooms by 1:00 so that we can accompany those who wish to go may do so. The busses will be picking up at the usual time out front. This is why we need to know where each student is; so that they do not miss the bus pick up. The students will be dismissed from the stadium to go home. Students not wanting to attend this may stay up in the program rooms and choose from several activities until dismissal.
May 18 is PROM
On May 3 is Spirit Assembly in the stadium from 1:00 to 2:25. The classes will be scheduled so that 8th period is over at 1:00 and students will be dismissed to the stadium where classes will compete in events such as tug of war. Our peer tutors will be asked to bring the students back to our program rooms by 1:00 so that we can accompany those who wish to go may do so. The busses will be picking up at the usual time out front. This is why we need to know where each student is; so that they do not miss the bus pick up. The students will be dismissed from the stadium to go home. Students not wanting to attend this may stay up in the program rooms and choose from several activities until dismissal.
May 18 is PROM
GRADUATION IS COMING! JUNE 6 2:00 PM
The arrival of May signals PROM and graduation. This year we have 6 seniors preparing to head to post high school opportunities. Like their peers each will be heading to the graduation ceremony at Utah Valley University. Parents are responsible to get them there and I will be arranging for staff to meet you and get the students in line and ready to walk. Afterward, I will help escort them to the table where they will pass in their gowns for a ticket. The ticket allows them to get their certificate. If you want pictures with your graduate; please plan to do so BEFORE they pass in that gown. They will get the blank diploma cover on the stage.
PROM
Kay has sent home notices about PROM. This year it is at The Rail Event Center. The address is:235 North 500 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84116
Thank you for responding to let us know numbers and begin the final stages for this annual event.
Salt Lake City, UT 84116
Thank you for responding to let us know numbers and begin the final stages for this annual event.
Welcome Back! I hope everyone is well and rested!
It has been great having the week off. I spent it recuperating from the various viruses and bugs that floated through our classroom. We have new paint on our walls and new carpeting throughout. Thank you Mr. Sherwood and the people that made it possible.
So as we start the next, yes our 4th and final quarter of the school year, we will be focusing on the weather and its impact on us. With the new curriculum we will be measuring wind direction & speed, rain amounts, temperature of air and soil, Ph of the soil and building journals to record our weather and our garden as it begins. We planted bulbs last fall so hopefully we will be seeing them bloom soon.
This curriculum focuses on our immediate environment. While we learn about gardening and community, we will be taking data and putting into charts, tables, graphs and captions. The group chose to plant watermelons, peas, herbs, pumpkins, squash, and flowers this year. I am excited to also say we will be growing Sugarbeets as well. Because being a Beetdigger is more than just a name! The curriculum is a practical application of the 4 areas the extended core program addresses: language arts, science, mathematics and life or transition skills. I prefer to have students actively exploring and recording their world as opposed to watching movies or filling out worksheets that have no immediate meaning to them. The peer tutors also seem excited. The classes that will be most focused on this curriculum will be those I have for 3rd period and 7th period. 7th period I actually have 11 students in the class with the focus on mathematics (time, measurement, and word problems (math application) so this will work well. 3rd period's focus is writing and language arts so they will be more involved in the journal documentation; using my iPad2 with the camera to photograph and then use apps to create journal entries. We will be documenting changes over time in the garden and with the weather.
So I am have aprons and tools, some gloves, and the weather instruments. Students bring your smiles, enthusiasm, and a pair of old shoes as we head out to explore spring in our backyard!
So as we start the next, yes our 4th and final quarter of the school year, we will be focusing on the weather and its impact on us. With the new curriculum we will be measuring wind direction & speed, rain amounts, temperature of air and soil, Ph of the soil and building journals to record our weather and our garden as it begins. We planted bulbs last fall so hopefully we will be seeing them bloom soon.
This curriculum focuses on our immediate environment. While we learn about gardening and community, we will be taking data and putting into charts, tables, graphs and captions. The group chose to plant watermelons, peas, herbs, pumpkins, squash, and flowers this year. I am excited to also say we will be growing Sugarbeets as well. Because being a Beetdigger is more than just a name! The curriculum is a practical application of the 4 areas the extended core program addresses: language arts, science, mathematics and life or transition skills. I prefer to have students actively exploring and recording their world as opposed to watching movies or filling out worksheets that have no immediate meaning to them. The peer tutors also seem excited. The classes that will be most focused on this curriculum will be those I have for 3rd period and 7th period. 7th period I actually have 11 students in the class with the focus on mathematics (time, measurement, and word problems (math application) so this will work well. 3rd period's focus is writing and language arts so they will be more involved in the journal documentation; using my iPad2 with the camera to photograph and then use apps to create journal entries. We will be documenting changes over time in the garden and with the weather.
So I am have aprons and tools, some gloves, and the weather instruments. Students bring your smiles, enthusiasm, and a pair of old shoes as we head out to explore spring in our backyard!
Financial Planning Resource
http://goo.gl/0XQkU This is the link to the a website that discusses special needs parenting concerns and issues. It may or may not be right for your situation but at least it is a start for your discussions. As I find resources I will find them, I will add them. Oh and that square, if you have an iPad ............. download your scan app (free) and point it at this square and it takes you right to the site!
March Events
No school: March 8 and March 25 to 29. Parent Teachers Conferences 6th and 7th.
Daylight savings starts Sunday the 10th.
We are working on the concept of a holiday.
A holiday is celebrated by a large group of people that are not a part of just your family.
A state or federal holiday includes CLOSED: banks, postoffices, and libraries.
Public transportation (bus and TRAX) has a holiday schedule or does not run at all.
These are important as high school students begin the transition to the adult setting.
I hope you enjoy your holidays and have your student help you set that clock ahead before they go to bed on Saturday, March 9!
Daylight savings starts Sunday the 10th.
We are working on the concept of a holiday.
A holiday is celebrated by a large group of people that are not a part of just your family.
A state or federal holiday includes CLOSED: banks, postoffices, and libraries.
Public transportation (bus and TRAX) has a holiday schedule or does not run at all.
These are important as high school students begin the transition to the adult setting.
I hope you enjoy your holidays and have your student help you set that clock ahead before they go to bed on Saturday, March 9!
Heading into March
Can you believe we are heading into March next week? It is certainly coming in like a lion so let us hope it goes out like a lamb! I will continue to update you on schedule changes ... and be sure to go to the Jordan High website (link on the welcome page of this site) for current calendar.
Note that March 6 and 7 is Parent Teacher Conferences and No SCHOOL on the 8th. On March 5th the Juniors (not ECC students) and all teachers will be involved with giving the ACT tests. For the special education transportation there is not change in schedule. They will come at the regular pickup and leave at 2:25 to 2:35 as usual. However, while at school the ECC students will be in the classroom with myself and our staff until released for the first period class that will start after lunch. Classes are usually about 20 minutes long that day. Any one using regular bus will have a late pick up schedule. Those not involved in testing will be arriving around 12:15 for lunch then class about 1:00. I will provide the actual schedule once I get it. Because of the high stakes to this test, our students cannot be in the halls. For those going to CTEC, your bus will arrive at 11:10 and return to school at 2:00 as usual. Mrs. Jensen will go with our students as always.
Note that March 6 and 7 is Parent Teacher Conferences and No SCHOOL on the 8th. On March 5th the Juniors (not ECC students) and all teachers will be involved with giving the ACT tests. For the special education transportation there is not change in schedule. They will come at the regular pickup and leave at 2:25 to 2:35 as usual. However, while at school the ECC students will be in the classroom with myself and our staff until released for the first period class that will start after lunch. Classes are usually about 20 minutes long that day. Any one using regular bus will have a late pick up schedule. Those not involved in testing will be arriving around 12:15 for lunch then class about 1:00. I will provide the actual schedule once I get it. Because of the high stakes to this test, our students cannot be in the halls. For those going to CTEC, your bus will arrive at 11:10 and return to school at 2:00 as usual. Mrs. Jensen will go with our students as always.
For your records
This is for seniors or students in the ECC program who are turning 18. It always help to know we have Diane and Rebecca available to help us with all those added forms and agencies as the ECC students turn 18!
I am sending home for all the ECC students the form you keep (do not send in with your taxes) soon. We are just awaiting the school official signature.
If you have questions ... this outreach program is excellent. They are prompt and so helpful.
Thank you Diane and Rebecca!
I am sending home for all the ECC students the form you keep (do not send in with your taxes) soon. We are just awaiting the school official signature.
If you have questions ... this outreach program is excellent. They are prompt and so helpful.
Thank you Diane and Rebecca!
No School Monday
Monday is President's Day so we will see you all Tuesday. Enjoy your three day weekend.
Congrats to Clay Moss on winning the state wrestling match in his weight division.
Congratulations to Jessie and Marta on finishing the sewing projects in advanced sewing!
Next week we will be starting our gardening curriculum. We will start with a unit on the weather. We will be taking the temperature in the morning, at lunch, and just before leaving school. We will be recording the cloud types and precipitation.
Congrats to Clay Moss on winning the state wrestling match in his weight division.
Congratulations to Jessie and Marta on finishing the sewing projects in advanced sewing!
Next week we will be starting our gardening curriculum. We will start with a unit on the weather. We will be taking the temperature in the morning, at lunch, and just before leaving school. We will be recording the cloud types and precipitation.
We are funded!!! Yes .. our garden materials are funded
Because of 5 donors we have the materials I could not afford. Because they believed in us, we are going to bring a quality science curriculum to our program.
Who donated? Complete strangers! Yes people and businesses who have never been here. Who are they? A future teacher, Disney, a man from France who owns a farm, a technology company, and a student. Some gave $5.00 and some gave much more!
My request? Go to Donors Choose. org and pick a worthy project. Invest in America's future!
Who donated? Complete strangers! Yes people and businesses who have never been here. Who are they? A future teacher, Disney, a man from France who owns a farm, a technology company, and a student. Some gave $5.00 and some gave much more!
My request? Go to Donors Choose. org and pick a worthy project. Invest in America's future!
NO SCHOOL MONDAY
The school is closed Monday. We are honoring Martin Luther King's birthday. Remember our new schedule starts Tuesday.
Al Maughan Congrats on Your Wrestling Season
Friday is the End of the Quarter Minimum Day schedule
Here is the schedule for Friday. We will be putting the students on their busses at 12:35.
On Tuesday the 22nd we will be starting the second semester. I have had students meet with their counselors if there was a "hole" in the schedule. Kallie Webster did a fantastic job of taking them down and supporting them with the changes.
DONT FORGET NO SCHOOL MONDAY!!!
So on Tuesday we will be reassigning peer tutors as needed.
On Tuesday the 22nd we will be starting the second semester. I have had students meet with their counselors if there was a "hole" in the schedule. Kallie Webster did a fantastic job of taking them down and supporting them with the changes.
DONT FORGET NO SCHOOL MONDAY!!!
So on Tuesday we will be reassigning peer tutors as needed.
Update on my DonorsChoose page ...
We are getting closer to achieving my newest curriculum dream. Thanks to donations from only 4 people we are almost there. I have a map where we are putting "flags" to show where our donors live. We are international! Our last donor is from France! We will be comparing the garden choices that can be created from the donor locations.
I was so surprised that people who are not even a part of the Jordan and Canyons School District community read my project and decided it was one they believed in and enough to invest!
Spring is coming! And I despite the latest round of storms and frigid air, I am excited for our latest venture in gardening for the Extended Core!
I was so surprised that people who are not even a part of the Jordan and Canyons School District community read my project and decided it was one they believed in and enough to invest!
Spring is coming! And I despite the latest round of storms and frigid air, I am excited for our latest venture in gardening for the Extended Core!
Websites to try ... also check under ECC students
I am exploring websites with the students. With our limited amount of time together, we only begin to explore subjects that may be of real interest to your student and you.
The first website is Wonderopolis ... yes that really is the name.
http://wonderopolis.org/
Wonderopolis has a wonder every day. Have you ever wondered about something?
Today's wonder was about emergency calls. One was about the wisest bird. To date; 822 wonders.
Each wonder starts with a small video. Then ... make sure you scroll down and do to the text about it. In our classroom, we use iPads to highlight the information and select read to have it read to us. However you may read it with your student or have them read to you!. On the iPad we also select words that are unknown. We hit read so we know how to "say it". Then we hit define and it pulls up a dictionary for "what it means". Then we read it in the sentence (word in context) If you have an iPad at home set it up to do this in your settings. If you have one and don't know how ... Let me know and I will walk you through it.
The first website is Wonderopolis ... yes that really is the name.
http://wonderopolis.org/
Wonderopolis has a wonder every day. Have you ever wondered about something?
Today's wonder was about emergency calls. One was about the wisest bird. To date; 822 wonders.
Each wonder starts with a small video. Then ... make sure you scroll down and do to the text about it. In our classroom, we use iPads to highlight the information and select read to have it read to us. However you may read it with your student or have them read to you!. On the iPad we also select words that are unknown. We hit read so we know how to "say it". Then we hit define and it pulls up a dictionary for "what it means". Then we read it in the sentence (word in context) If you have an iPad at home set it up to do this in your settings. If you have one and don't know how ... Let me know and I will walk you through it.
ESY Extended School Year
After the long break, we are looking at "regression/recoupment" data. What does this mean? In everyday language it means, the program staff collected data on behavior and academic skills the week before we left on the break. Now we are redoing the tasks to see if their skills and behavior went up or down or stayed the same. Every student has different skills and levels. Is this important? YES because it lets us know that without the regular practice and guided instruction, these skills and behaviors can weaken. We will take data and work on the skills that have weakened over the next 5 days. If they return to the levels we observed and measured before the break the and extended school year session would not be automatically provided. However, there are many other things we look at over the second semester to make that final determination. We make that determination as a team, and parents are part of that team. I will be presenting that at parent teacher conferences and during IEP meetings as well.
Enjoy Your Winter Break ... See you January 2nd 2013!
Remember ... Friday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Winter Break
Monday is the choir concert ... and Tuesday is the band concert. We have students performing in each so come and support these wonderful performances at Jordan High School.
The ECC student page has been updated!
Tomorrow December 7 is the Multicultural Assembly
We are going to go watch the multicultural assembly tomorrow morning. We attend the first assembly so please be here by 7:50 or have your student check in at the main office. I will arrange for someone to be in the room so we can come down to check you in.
I am asking all parents to check in with the attendance office when bring your student. Although the attendance policy is not applicable for most of our students, I need to record attendance accurately for emergency reasons. We need to accurately record who is here or not.
I am asking all parents to check in with the attendance office when bring your student. Although the attendance policy is not applicable for most of our students, I need to record attendance accurately for emergency reasons. We need to accurately record who is here or not.
Adaptive PE with Dave
Dave Anderson, our Adaptive Physical Education teacher, and I are now moving into the basketball unit. We will be working on dribbling, shooting, pivot turns and passing. We have 12 students involved as well as peer tutors, so we will be able to play "games". If your student expresses interest in being a part of a special olympics team like the Vipers, please know we are actively working on this. We will be looking at coaches as the basketball starts in the summer. I want those seniors who are interested to be able to join us as well. I will also be looking at other opportunities such as bowling, and after school options through outside agencies. I will keep you posted!
November 19 and 20 Only 2 days next week!
On Friday the football team won the state championship for 5A. Congratulations to them all! Tuesday we are starting the day with an assembly so the classes will be shortened and the lunches will be late by 15 minutes.
We have two days next week. Monday is a B day and Tuesday is an A day.
Apparently the special education transportation has changed many of the bus routes as of Friday. I will be tracking down the list so you will know which bus your student will be riding. It may change the arrival home time by a few minutes only.
As we start into December I will be sending out Notices for meetings. Some will be for IEPs and some are to begin the transition for the seniors.
We have two days next week. Monday is a B day and Tuesday is an A day.
Apparently the special education transportation has changed many of the bus routes as of Friday. I will be tracking down the list so you will know which bus your student will be riding. It may change the arrival home time by a few minutes only.
As we start into December I will be sending out Notices for meetings. Some will be for IEPs and some are to begin the transition for the seniors.
Thursday November 15 @ 7:00 PM
The Vipers are playing the JHS Beetdiggers tomorrow at 7:00 at Jordan High. The team is homegrown. Former Beetdiggers include Blaire Boyack, TJ Hancock. Cara Watson, Dane Lambert and Landon Lund! So come and support!
Friday November 16 Update
We will be using the same schedule as last Thursday so the classes will run from 7:50 to 12:30 with lunch provided by Iceberg afterwards.
It is Maroon Day ... yes we are wearing Maroon and will be sitting on the east side at Rice Eccles Stadium. The TRAX will be providing a nonstop train to the stadium. The cost is $2.35 one way. YOu will need to purchase a one way up and pay a one way back as the round trip os good for only 2 1/2 hours.
I will send home another permission so I can organize for those who are leaving, staying, and want to eat Iceberg's lunch versus the cafeteria.
It is also being televised on KJAZZ 14 or live stream on internet. SO anyway you want to watch ... enjoy as we go for the State Football Championship ...
It is Maroon Day ... yes we are wearing Maroon and will be sitting on the east side at Rice Eccles Stadium. The TRAX will be providing a nonstop train to the stadium. The cost is $2.35 one way. YOu will need to purchase a one way up and pay a one way back as the round trip os good for only 2 1/2 hours.
I will send home another permission so I can organize for those who are leaving, staying, and want to eat Iceberg's lunch versus the cafeteria.
It is also being televised on KJAZZ 14 or live stream on internet. SO anyway you want to watch ... enjoy as we go for the State Football Championship ...
News of the week November 12 to 16
Today we had hearing screenings.
If you have questions about registration ... call your guidance counselor and they can guide you through the process. I am mostly interested in what electives the students would like. This is the first time we have done registration this way so the learning curve for me is as steep as for you! But our guidance counselors are ready to help!
On Friday we have the state finals for football at Rice Eccles again. The play off schedule is the same as the one below. I need to know if your student will be going to the game. checking out and if so with whom are they going. We will be here to get them on the bus at 2:25 and provide general supervision and activities.
I do not know the lunch situation for Friday at this point. I will let you know but there is always the cafeteria serving.
If you have questions about registration ... call your guidance counselor and they can guide you through the process. I am mostly interested in what electives the students would like. This is the first time we have done registration this way so the learning curve for me is as steep as for you! But our guidance counselors are ready to help!
On Friday we have the state finals for football at Rice Eccles again. The play off schedule is the same as the one below. I need to know if your student will be going to the game. checking out and if so with whom are they going. We will be here to get them on the bus at 2:25 and provide general supervision and activities.
I do not know the lunch situation for Friday at this point. I will let you know but there is always the cafeteria serving.
Football Update We Beat Lone Peak so ... another trip to Rice-Eccles Friday 16th
Thursday is a White Day. We are the team wearing white for the football game. That means we are the visitors section.
Here is note that gives the schedule for the day and I need the rest completed so that I can plan supervision and be sure the students are participating according to your choices with the proper support. If I do not receive back a note then I will have the students in my rooms with activities and have them return home on the bus. The school will have teachers providing general supervision with school wide activities. So let me know what you are planning.
Iceberg is providing a free burger and drink. The cafeteria is providing a sandwich ONLY. If you wish for your student to have the Iceberg, we will make sure they go out and get these. They can return to the room and have lunch there as well.
On Friday is the Sadie Hawkins Assembly. So Western Attire is the fashion of the day.
Here is note that gives the schedule for the day and I need the rest completed so that I can plan supervision and be sure the students are participating according to your choices with the proper support. If I do not receive back a note then I will have the students in my rooms with activities and have them return home on the bus. The school will have teachers providing general supervision with school wide activities. So let me know what you are planning.
Iceberg is providing a free burger and drink. The cafeteria is providing a sandwich ONLY. If you wish for your student to have the Iceberg, we will make sure they go out and get these. They can return to the room and have lunch there as well.
On Friday is the Sadie Hawkins Assembly. So Western Attire is the fashion of the day.
Second Quarter begins November 2
Events for the week! Tuesday is Registration Day for Sophomores and Juniors
On Tuesday we will be going down to get registration information. Please talk with your student about classes they would like to take next year for electives. I cover the core (language arts, math, science) for the ECC program but the inclusion classes are equally important. We have students in choir, band, woodworking, basketball fundamentals, sewing, foods, drawing, painting, volleyball and theater ... so look over all the options, including the CTEC (landscaping/greenhouse) and Onsite Construction.
The seniors will be taking a transition interest inventory to start the process to post high school. So look at the class being offered on November 13 designed for parents to help with that process.
Also on Thursday at 2:30 the football team is playing at Rice Eccles Stadium at 2:30 PM. More info to follow or call the school for price and information. You can get there on TRAX as well. I find it easiest to change to the red line at Midvale by the IHC hopsital.
Update so far ... please wear Maroon or J fan clothing on Thursday
Friday is the Sadie Hawkins Dance Assembly so students may wear cowboy/cowgirl attire.
The seniors will be taking a transition interest inventory to start the process to post high school. So look at the class being offered on November 13 designed for parents to help with that process.
Also on Thursday at 2:30 the football team is playing at Rice Eccles Stadium at 2:30 PM. More info to follow or call the school for price and information. You can get there on TRAX as well. I find it easiest to change to the red line at Midvale by the IHC hopsital.
Update so far ... please wear Maroon or J fan clothing on Thursday
Friday is the Sadie Hawkins Dance Assembly so students may wear cowboy/cowgirl attire.
Submitted on Donors Choose
As you know we have a garden. The Kinderbeets have joined us by planting bulbs for the spring. The produce went to student families this year. I am making pumpkin bread from the 3 pumpkins we grew. We learned a lot and I am requesting curriculum supplies so that we can go further. So I asked and let us hope the community will choose our project!
Our plans for next year are more flowers ... pumpkins, native plants of Utah, and adding more beds. Sugar beets of course for that opening assembly, and adding more student groups to increase or community.
Our plans for next year are more flowers ... pumpkins, native plants of Utah, and adding more beds. Sugar beets of course for that opening assembly, and adding more student groups to increase or community.
Parent Class Coming Up ... November 13
As we head into the second quarter, I wanted to make you aware of the following class. I had sent home the information and posted the entire schedule. But because we are all busy, I think posting helps me and I hope you too, to remember these classes.
Minimum Day: November 1 Busses leave at 12:20
Thursday is the end of the term and it is a minimum day. This means the classes run from 7:50 to 11:40. The busses will be leaving to take students home at 12:10. Please check with your dirvers as to what time your student will actually be arriving home.
The purpose is to give teachers the chance to prepare for the term which starts Friday.
I will be meeting with my staff to review the quarter and plan for quarter 2.
I will begin sending Notices for IEP meetings and for the seniors meetings to start planning for the transition from Jordan High School to Canyons Transition Academy.
The purpose is to give teachers the chance to prepare for the term which starts Friday.
I will be meeting with my staff to review the quarter and plan for quarter 2.
I will begin sending Notices for IEP meetings and for the seniors meetings to start planning for the transition from Jordan High School to Canyons Transition Academy.
News for October 29 to November 2 Halloween is Wear Pink Day YES PINK
No class party for Halloween in High School
As you may know, Jordan High School has had several teams win regional meets. Our own Brian Rowley is on the Cross Country team whose boys were first in our region. Many of our peer tutors are football players and cheerleaders who are excited that they are ranked #1 and headed to the state football championship round.
We have volleyball players who are peer tutors and heading to State ranked #1!. Congrats to all of you!
However, that also means that we may have a shortage of peer tutors to support our students within the mainstream classes. If that occurs, we substitute with peer tutors who are in the class. And ... it may mean a paraeducator may have to go at the last resort. Please realize that we will do as much as we can to assure your student schedule flows as close to normal as possible. Also know there will probably be added assemblies or mini activities to support these teams as the move in the state competitions. Students will be receiving news about FUN BUS chances to go to cheer on our Beetdiggers. I will update that as soon as I learn of these events.
I know a FUN BUS is scheduled for the volleyball team game. Also check the Jordan High School website for calendar updates.
FOR MANY REASONS ... SCHEDULES ... HEALTH ISSUES ... WE DO NOT HAVE A CLASS PARTY
We have volleyball players who are peer tutors and heading to State ranked #1!. Congrats to all of you!
However, that also means that we may have a shortage of peer tutors to support our students within the mainstream classes. If that occurs, we substitute with peer tutors who are in the class. And ... it may mean a paraeducator may have to go at the last resort. Please realize that we will do as much as we can to assure your student schedule flows as close to normal as possible. Also know there will probably be added assemblies or mini activities to support these teams as the move in the state competitions. Students will be receiving news about FUN BUS chances to go to cheer on our Beetdiggers. I will update that as soon as I learn of these events.
I know a FUN BUS is scheduled for the volleyball team game. Also check the Jordan High School website for calendar updates.
FOR MANY REASONS ... SCHEDULES ... HEALTH ISSUES ... WE DO NOT HAVE A CLASS PARTY
October Science ... Skeletons
Along with following directions, we are using a checklist to create a skeleton. The vocabulary includes ribs, hips, wrist, ankle, knee, shoulder, spine. We are going from top to bottom and left to right. We are discussing bones and the moving intersections (joints). Also part of our curriculum is for students to read charts and graphs as well as a diagram. I use diagrams they may need. For example, knowing your hip, shoulder and if your foot versus ankle is bothering you can be very helpful in self advocacy for health.
Afterward we are having our skeletons pose!
Afterward we are having our skeletons pose!
FYI We have the following "bugs"
We seem to be having the following recurring "bugs" floating between students this week.
Stomach aches
Vomiting
Sore throat
So if your student is complaining of these symptoms ... they are not alone!
Stomach aches
Vomiting
Sore throat
So if your student is complaining of these symptoms ... they are not alone!
Tomorrow is Maroon Day
We are ranked #1 in football so tomorrow to note this, we have been asked to wear MAROON. The football game is our last of the season and there is a fun tailgating activity before the game.
The students are free with their ID cards.
The students are free with their ID cards.
October 17 is a short day
Because sophomores and juniors are taking the PLAN and PSAT tests which have all teachers helping, there is a major change in the schedule. Please let me and your bus driver know if your student is coming on the special education bus that morning and if there is a time change in when it is coming.
LUNCH will be before any classes.
The next two days are NO SCHOOL for UEA conferences.
I will be here as will the assistants. We will be providing supervision for those students who do come and activities for them as well. We will stay within the classrooms until we are released for lunch.
I just received this and will send home a copy as well next week.
Great to see those who came to Parent Teacher Conferences.
LUNCH will be before any classes.
The next two days are NO SCHOOL for UEA conferences.
I will be here as will the assistants. We will be providing supervision for those students who do come and activities for them as well. We will stay within the classrooms until we are released for lunch.
I just received this and will send home a copy as well next week.
Great to see those who came to Parent Teacher Conferences.
Welcome to Dave Anderson and Kallie Webster!
This past week brought us to great new additions to our program. Welcome Dave Anderson, our Adaptive Physical Education teacher. He knows many of our students from middle school. He will be working with us every Thursday. He will compliment our strengthening and motor program (Yoga) with other skills. He will be assessing baseline skills for the next two weeks. WELCOME DAVE!
Another addition to our classroom is Kallie Webster. She was a peer tutor and aide in our program for the last two years. She has accepted the 17 hour position to replace Luke Charon, who is now teaching at Joel P Jensen and starting his USU graduate program in Special Education. Kallie is going to be student at University of Utah! She is a perfect fit because she knows the students, was an excellent peer tutor and knows the ins and outs of being a Beetsdigger. Welcome Kallie!!
Another addition to our classroom is Kallie Webster. She was a peer tutor and aide in our program for the last two years. She has accepted the 17 hour position to replace Luke Charon, who is now teaching at Joel P Jensen and starting his USU graduate program in Special Education. Kallie is going to be student at University of Utah! She is a perfect fit because she knows the students, was an excellent peer tutor and knows the ins and outs of being a Beetsdigger. Welcome Kallie!!
Parent Teacher Conferences are October 2 and 3
Can you believe we are at mid term? The past 5 weeks have really flown by! The students are settled into Jordan High. Peer tutors are really starting to take charge and I am amazed at how much we have done!
Regarding parent teachers conferences: THere are no IEP meetings needing to be held and I do not use this conference for this purpose. This is a time for you as parents to meet all the incredible teachers with whom your children learn. It is a time for me to meet the parents of these 52 amazing peer tutors who have joined our team. THe teachers with the exception of the special education department, meet in the gym AKA Beetgarden. We start at 4 p.m. each afternoon. I encourage you to meet these great teachers who include all the ECC students to their classes. If you have questions or suggestions for them, please remember they have 5 to 7 minutes per student alloted. I do not have a firm time constraint.
REMEMBER NO SCHOOL FRIDAY >>> OR MONDAY >>>>>>
Regarding parent teachers conferences: THere are no IEP meetings needing to be held and I do not use this conference for this purpose. This is a time for you as parents to meet all the incredible teachers with whom your children learn. It is a time for me to meet the parents of these 52 amazing peer tutors who have joined our team. THe teachers with the exception of the special education department, meet in the gym AKA Beetgarden. We start at 4 p.m. each afternoon. I encourage you to meet these great teachers who include all the ECC students to their classes. If you have questions or suggestions for them, please remember they have 5 to 7 minutes per student alloted. I do not have a firm time constraint.
REMEMBER NO SCHOOL FRIDAY >>> OR MONDAY >>>>>>
Attention Parents! Guardianship Workshop
Many of you have been interested in more information of guardianship. I just spoke with our technical assistant, Kim Fratto. She sent me this flyer. I will send a copy home, but here is your reference. I will also add the other flyers with the classes for the full year.
The classes are held the CTEC building.
The classes are held the CTEC building.
Want to Play Ice Hockey? Here is your Chance
I have sent home this flyer thanks to a parent. If you know of any opportunities please let us know. I can post on the website and send home flyers! We have one student who is very active and loves Ice Hockey! Maybe you will too!
This is open to both boys and girls!
Just bring a helmet ... a bike helmet will work. That is all you need to bring.
For more information go to krfsports.com and join the fun.
This is open to both boys and girls!
Just bring a helmet ... a bike helmet will work. That is all you need to bring.
For more information go to krfsports.com and join the fun.
September 10 to 14 and 17 to 21
Another week has come and gone. By now most students have gotten their schedules finalized and the classes are ready.
We are having an assembly on Tuesday so our lunch periods will be slightly off. We will go to the second assembly so that we can still go to Walmart for 2nd period. A fire drill is going to also take place sometime this next week. For our students, this should go smoothly as they will be going out with the class in which they are attending. They will be with the peer tutor and will be escorted back in when the drill is over.
The week of the 17th is Homecoming. There are two days of full hour lunches; Tuesday and Wednesday. I have included the menu of what clubs are selling at Farmer's Market. If your student wants to go to this just let us know and if you would send the money, we will escort them out to the market. Teaching assistants will provide general supervision only as we have no peer tutors during all school lunches. We will be in the area along with other faculty and staff and will escort them back if you would like us to do so.
Regarding the homecoming dance. This is a boys invitation dance. It is held at Jordan High School. Our one policy we reviewed is that PEER TUTORS MAY NOT DATE ECC STUDENTS. The peer tutors have assumed the role of a teaching staff. Teaching staff does not date students. We have found this to be a solid sensible policy. We do socialize as a group and the peer tutors can meet students at games, assemblies, and make arrangements for carpooling or walking to and from school.
We are having an assembly on Tuesday so our lunch periods will be slightly off. We will go to the second assembly so that we can still go to Walmart for 2nd period. A fire drill is going to also take place sometime this next week. For our students, this should go smoothly as they will be going out with the class in which they are attending. They will be with the peer tutor and will be escorted back in when the drill is over.
The week of the 17th is Homecoming. There are two days of full hour lunches; Tuesday and Wednesday. I have included the menu of what clubs are selling at Farmer's Market. If your student wants to go to this just let us know and if you would send the money, we will escort them out to the market. Teaching assistants will provide general supervision only as we have no peer tutors during all school lunches. We will be in the area along with other faculty and staff and will escort them back if you would like us to do so.
Regarding the homecoming dance. This is a boys invitation dance. It is held at Jordan High School. Our one policy we reviewed is that PEER TUTORS MAY NOT DATE ECC STUDENTS. The peer tutors have assumed the role of a teaching staff. Teaching staff does not date students. We have found this to be a solid sensible policy. We do socialize as a group and the peer tutors can meet students at games, assemblies, and make arrangements for carpooling or walking to and from school.
News for week of September 4: Odd and Ends
The first week of school was a blur; mass schedule changes, picture day, peer tutors moving in and out and I think we are ready.
It has been a busy but good week! I am enjoying getting to know our new students and reconnecting with the juniors and seniors.
This week is when I begin honing in on curriculum and collaborating with teachers where the Extended Core students are gaining transition skills. I want to thank our guidance counselors for their patience as they add our students to their student responsibilities. They will be actively involved with the IEP team and I am glad they can add their expertise to your students' educational planning.
Checking in and out: As you are now well aware, the doors leading upstairs to J202 and 206 are locked. Please call us at 801-826-6312 or the main office if you need to bring your student in through these doors. The front door is always open. If you need to check out your student during the school day; please call the attendance office to notify them for documenting it on Skyward. However, we are fine with bringing your student out to you should that work best. Either the student will be brought by a peer tutor or one of the program teaching staff.
Lunch: Students are welcome to go to the cafeteria during lunch if you give us permission to let them do so. Otherwise we provide a general supervised lunch period that includes the option of watching a movie (30 minutes) over several days games and free choice activities. Be aware this is an open campus so many students leave and go to lunch within the community.
I will be sending home permissions for you to sign regarding permission to photograph, internet use, and unsupervised times within the school day. Unless I receive a signed permission we provide supervision and curriculum from 7 to 2:25. From 7 to 7:55 I provide instruction on table setting, dining etiquette, and social skills and manners. We also assist students who need to pay fees or lunch. Lunch is similar.
Bussing: We also meet the busses both for arrival and departure. We keep records of who arrives and sign off when our students are on the bus upon leaving school. We let drivers know if your student has checked out etc. My only concern at this point is if your student is one that is arriving at school before 7:00. No student is to be released from the bus prior to 7:00. As school begins at 7:55 and breakfast begins at 7:15, there is no need for your student to be sitting on a bus outside of school for 15 to 20 minutes. I am working with transportation as this is an ongoing issue. Thank you for your patience.
Meeting IEP goals: I am busy designing lessons that tie to your students' IEP goals. The Extended Core specifically addresses Language Arts, Science, Mathematics, and Transition. I am currently obtaining baseline assessments of what students know and do not know. My philosophy is " We work hard on what we don't know not what we do know" We do review to maintain skills but focus on what keeps us moving forward. If I see regression, I will address it. So far my juniors and seniors are showing strong retention of what they learned last year!
If you want your student to go with friends, just let us know. All we need is your permission and to sign off the student to the friend. It helps us plan.
We are currently interviewing for additional teaching assistants. I thank you for your patience as we are a bit short staffed.
It has been a busy but good week! I am enjoying getting to know our new students and reconnecting with the juniors and seniors.
This week is when I begin honing in on curriculum and collaborating with teachers where the Extended Core students are gaining transition skills. I want to thank our guidance counselors for their patience as they add our students to their student responsibilities. They will be actively involved with the IEP team and I am glad they can add their expertise to your students' educational planning.
Checking in and out: As you are now well aware, the doors leading upstairs to J202 and 206 are locked. Please call us at 801-826-6312 or the main office if you need to bring your student in through these doors. The front door is always open. If you need to check out your student during the school day; please call the attendance office to notify them for documenting it on Skyward. However, we are fine with bringing your student out to you should that work best. Either the student will be brought by a peer tutor or one of the program teaching staff.
Lunch: Students are welcome to go to the cafeteria during lunch if you give us permission to let them do so. Otherwise we provide a general supervised lunch period that includes the option of watching a movie (30 minutes) over several days games and free choice activities. Be aware this is an open campus so many students leave and go to lunch within the community.
I will be sending home permissions for you to sign regarding permission to photograph, internet use, and unsupervised times within the school day. Unless I receive a signed permission we provide supervision and curriculum from 7 to 2:25. From 7 to 7:55 I provide instruction on table setting, dining etiquette, and social skills and manners. We also assist students who need to pay fees or lunch. Lunch is similar.
Bussing: We also meet the busses both for arrival and departure. We keep records of who arrives and sign off when our students are on the bus upon leaving school. We let drivers know if your student has checked out etc. My only concern at this point is if your student is one that is arriving at school before 7:00. No student is to be released from the bus prior to 7:00. As school begins at 7:55 and breakfast begins at 7:15, there is no need for your student to be sitting on a bus outside of school for 15 to 20 minutes. I am working with transportation as this is an ongoing issue. Thank you for your patience.
Meeting IEP goals: I am busy designing lessons that tie to your students' IEP goals. The Extended Core specifically addresses Language Arts, Science, Mathematics, and Transition. I am currently obtaining baseline assessments of what students know and do not know. My philosophy is " We work hard on what we don't know not what we do know" We do review to maintain skills but focus on what keeps us moving forward. If I see regression, I will address it. So far my juniors and seniors are showing strong retention of what they learned last year!
If you want your student to go with friends, just let us know. All we need is your permission and to sign off the student to the friend. It helps us plan.
We are currently interviewing for additional teaching assistants. I thank you for your patience as we are a bit short staffed.
News for August 27 to 31
The phones are finally working so I am finally able to get messages! If you call and we are not answering, it is not because we are ignoring you. It is because we are all busy learning and working! Until this morning we had no idea you even called! (8/28/12)
Again, all schedules are changed or created by the guidance counselors. They are the only ones who can access the program. If you want to make changes in the schedules; we can do it but we need to include the counselor in the team process. This parental involvement is also a natural part of scheduling online. Together you select what you and your student want to participate in for the year. Of course there are always classes that fill and other options need to be considered.
By the start of next week we should have all the peer tutors enrolled, schedules somewhat permanent, and can turn from just getting oriented to becoming a vibrant part of the Jordan High School community.
I am going to send home the disclosures for you to review with your student. It is on the website under ECC Students heading. Each teacher will be getting them as well. This is the first year at Jordan High we have gone to a PASS/FAIL system and focused on a modified curriculum that allows us to participate according to our needs. That means they are fully a part of the class, but how they demonstrate what they are learning may not be the same as the regular core standards for that class. But they participate with support!
Thank you for letting us know if your student is coming or going on the bus and if they need to be checked out. With our phones working, we can make that call downstairs if you need your student to be picked up out front. We will make sure they are accompanied to your pick up spot.
Again, all schedules are changed or created by the guidance counselors. They are the only ones who can access the program. If you want to make changes in the schedules; we can do it but we need to include the counselor in the team process. This parental involvement is also a natural part of scheduling online. Together you select what you and your student want to participate in for the year. Of course there are always classes that fill and other options need to be considered.
By the start of next week we should have all the peer tutors enrolled, schedules somewhat permanent, and can turn from just getting oriented to becoming a vibrant part of the Jordan High School community.
I am going to send home the disclosures for you to review with your student. It is on the website under ECC Students heading. Each teacher will be getting them as well. This is the first year at Jordan High we have gone to a PASS/FAIL system and focused on a modified curriculum that allows us to participate according to our needs. That means they are fully a part of the class, but how they demonstrate what they are learning may not be the same as the regular core standards for that class. But they participate with support!
Thank you for letting us know if your student is coming or going on the bus and if they need to be checked out. With our phones working, we can make that call downstairs if you need your student to be picked up out front. We will make sure they are accompanied to your pick up spot.
The Garden is growing!
Community Mapping ClassI am adding a new dimension to our program next year. We are going to be learning to navigate our community through maps. The maps will be created through the help of our peer tutors and used weekly. We need to give up the yellow bus!
I have included the goals for us so that you can see what we will begin to learn in order to be more accessible and functional in our community. Our peer tutors always tell us they learn right along with us. The peer tutors, with the help of our educational technology specialist, will walk routes and mark points along the route. Using the points we can download the points onto a map of our community. We can then create the route and begin learning to follow it safely. Upon arrival, students will learn the social conversation needed for each site. For example we are going to learn about getting to the bank, stores, restaurants, Walmart, libraries, and city hall offices. Each student will be paired with a peer tutor and we will go in small groups. I am excited to extend the program to better meet the needs of students because being active in a community is so important for everyone. Being safe as we travel through our community is even better! |
For Luke We Thank You!
Don't forget to check out the photos on the Blog tab
News for June 4 through June 6
June 4th is graduation practice. All seniors need to be in the big gym by 7:45 AM
I am planning on all students arriving on the bus on Monday and returning on the bus at 2:25 PM.
The seniors will go down to the practice with me and we will practice. I will be going with Luke Charon as he will be at graduation as faculty on the boys' side on Tuesday. I will be seated on the girls' side for the graduation.
The juniors and sophomores will be with Kay Parker and support staff until it is time for them to get their yearbooks and head outside to the soccer field for signing.
The seniors will go from the practice to the small gym where they will receive their yearbooks and begin signing. They will also be given a ticket and head to the football stadium where all seniors will enjoy a BBQ compliments of the school.
After that all JHS students will be outside having the opportunity to sign yearbooks and socialize under general supervision of all faculty. My staff and I will also be supervising and will make our classrooms available as needed. The students will be escorted as we will be locking our doors during that time.
June 5th the seniors will arrive with their families to the Maverik Center between 9:00 and 9:15 AM. Be sure they have their caps and gowns pressed and ready to walk. Girls are to wear a dress and the boys are to wear dressier pants (black works). No sneakers please!
Kay Parker will be at Jordan High with 10 other faculty members. Kay will be in our classrooms and we will get students off the busses and back on at 2:25. Luke and I will go to the Maverik Center and return after our students have left with their parents and family. The students will have activities and supervision. Breakfast and lunch will be served.
June 6th This is a half day. Please let the bus drivers know if your student will be attending school. I will take students off the bus and get them back on at 11:30. There is no food service offered that day. We will be providing activities and supervision. Be aware there are no mainstream classes for these three days. As over 95% of the peer tutors are seniors, there are no student peer tutors for these last days.
ENJOY YOUR SUMMER!!! SEE YOU IN AUGUST!
I am planning on all students arriving on the bus on Monday and returning on the bus at 2:25 PM.
The seniors will go down to the practice with me and we will practice. I will be going with Luke Charon as he will be at graduation as faculty on the boys' side on Tuesday. I will be seated on the girls' side for the graduation.
The juniors and sophomores will be with Kay Parker and support staff until it is time for them to get their yearbooks and head outside to the soccer field for signing.
The seniors will go from the practice to the small gym where they will receive their yearbooks and begin signing. They will also be given a ticket and head to the football stadium where all seniors will enjoy a BBQ compliments of the school.
After that all JHS students will be outside having the opportunity to sign yearbooks and socialize under general supervision of all faculty. My staff and I will also be supervising and will make our classrooms available as needed. The students will be escorted as we will be locking our doors during that time.
June 5th the seniors will arrive with their families to the Maverik Center between 9:00 and 9:15 AM. Be sure they have their caps and gowns pressed and ready to walk. Girls are to wear a dress and the boys are to wear dressier pants (black works). No sneakers please!
Kay Parker will be at Jordan High with 10 other faculty members. Kay will be in our classrooms and we will get students off the busses and back on at 2:25. Luke and I will go to the Maverik Center and return after our students have left with their parents and family. The students will have activities and supervision. Breakfast and lunch will be served.
June 6th This is a half day. Please let the bus drivers know if your student will be attending school. I will take students off the bus and get them back on at 11:30. There is no food service offered that day. We will be providing activities and supervision. Be aware there are no mainstream classes for these three days. As over 95% of the peer tutors are seniors, there are no student peer tutors for these last days.
ENJOY YOUR SUMMER!!! SEE YOU IN AUGUST!
News for May 29 through June 1
To one and all!
Thank you so much for all your support for this school year. We have had challenges and so many successes. I wanted to thank each and every one of you.
As a way to improve my communication with parents as well as students I have enrolled in an endorsement program for educational technology. It is my belief that my harnessing these tools, the extended core curriculum program will improve.
So here we go!
This week we have 4 days. We do not have any schedule changes of which I am aware. (You never know) Thanks to one of our astute students, the magnetic calendar does contain an error. We do come to school June 1 despite the lack of A/B day coding on the magnetic calendar! That means the next week is reversed from the code … A means B and B means A.
This week we will be following the each student's schedule. It is a time when many students are finishing projects and no new projects are being required. Because we are usually involved in the classes that are project and participation based, your student may prefer to return to my classrooms. If that is so, I have activities that they can do with their support person. THese may be math based games such as dominoes, Rummikub, Skip Bo, or apps such as survival signs or letter formation. I also use apps for fine motor and reflex practice such as Temple Run or Maze Phase.
On the tool bar there are pages that you can click. Please feel free to do so!
The blog is my reflections overall so it will contain few daily details. The Newsletter will be updated weekly. I will also send home a paper copy if you request it. The Evaluation Forms are what I use to get feedback on the support your student received in the mainstream setting. I use them for improving and providing feedback. Peer tutors have these evaluations factored into their grades.
I will also include within this page the Disclosures for next year and the behavior logs we keep.
The next page will provide the Rubric or standards I use to determine progress towards goals.
Thank you so much for all your support for this school year. We have had challenges and so many successes. I wanted to thank each and every one of you.
As a way to improve my communication with parents as well as students I have enrolled in an endorsement program for educational technology. It is my belief that my harnessing these tools, the extended core curriculum program will improve.
So here we go!
This week we have 4 days. We do not have any schedule changes of which I am aware. (You never know) Thanks to one of our astute students, the magnetic calendar does contain an error. We do come to school June 1 despite the lack of A/B day coding on the magnetic calendar! That means the next week is reversed from the code … A means B and B means A.
This week we will be following the each student's schedule. It is a time when many students are finishing projects and no new projects are being required. Because we are usually involved in the classes that are project and participation based, your student may prefer to return to my classrooms. If that is so, I have activities that they can do with their support person. THese may be math based games such as dominoes, Rummikub, Skip Bo, or apps such as survival signs or letter formation. I also use apps for fine motor and reflex practice such as Temple Run or Maze Phase.
On the tool bar there are pages that you can click. Please feel free to do so!
The blog is my reflections overall so it will contain few daily details. The Newsletter will be updated weekly. I will also send home a paper copy if you request it. The Evaluation Forms are what I use to get feedback on the support your student received in the mainstream setting. I use them for improving and providing feedback. Peer tutors have these evaluations factored into their grades.
I will also include within this page the Disclosures for next year and the behavior logs we keep.
The next page will provide the Rubric or standards I use to determine progress towards goals.